Stuffed peppers with meat

Stuffed Peppers with Meat Recipe: A Flavorful and Comforting Delight

When it comes to traditional dishes, stuffed peppers with meat are a true symbol of culinary comfort. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia, reminding you of family meals from childhood. Stuffed peppers are versatile, adaptable, and, most importantly, very easy to prepare. Let's explore this captivating recipe together!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 kg minced meat (a mix of pork and beef)
- 2 kg bell peppers (preferably red)
- 1 large bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 egg (for binding the mixture)
- 3-4 medium onions (one for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon of Vegeta (or another preferred seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of rice (preferably pre-blanched)
- 1 small carrot (for added sweetness)
- 2-3 tomatoes (for the sauce)
- 200 ml of tomato paste
- Bay leaves
- About 1 cup of warm water (to keep the meat tender)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by peeling and washing the onion. Part of it will be used for the filling, and the rest will go into the sauce. Chop the onion finely or use a meat grinder. Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the onion until translucent. Once sautéed, place the onion in a strainer to drain excess oil.

2. Preparing the Greens: Wash the dill and parsley, then chop them finely or grind them. These greens will add extra flavor to the mixture.

3. The Rice: If you haven't blanched the rice, now is the time! Boil it halfway in salted water, then drain it.

4. The Filling Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, egg, sautéed and drained onion, blanched rice, chopped greens, Vegeta, salt, and pepper. Add the cup of warm water and mix well. It is essential that the water is warm, as it helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.

5. Preparing the Peppers: Wash the bell peppers and drain them well. Cut the top off each pepper, forming a lid, but keep the stem. Carefully remove the seeds without damaging the shape.

6. Filling the Peppers: Fill each pepper with the meat mixture, leaving about an inch of space at the top. This allows the mixture to expand during cooking. Place a tomato lid on top of each pepper.

7. Preparing the Sauce: In the remaining oil in the pan, sauté the finely chopped onion together with the grated carrot. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a teaspoon of flour. After a few minutes, deglaze with hot water and tomato paste.

8. Cooking the Peppers: Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a deep pot and place the tomato lids on top. Pour the sauce over them until they are completely covered. Add bay leaves, pepper, and if needed, add more water.

9. Boiling: Simmer the peppers on low heat, covered, for about 1 hour. Then, transfer the pot to the oven to reduce the sauce, allowing them to brown slightly.

10. Serving: Stuffed peppers are served hot, alongside a spoonful of sour cream. This adds a creamy note and a pleasant contrast to the robust flavor of the filling.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing Peppers: Make sure to select sweet, firm bell peppers that are uniform and blemish-free. Red peppers have a more intense flavor and natural sweetness that perfectly complements the filling.

- Meat: The mix of pork and beef provides a more complex flavor, but you can use only pork or beef depending on your preferences. Beef tends to be leaner, while pork adds more juiciness.

- Rice: Using blanched rice makes the filling easier to handle and allows it to absorb flavors from the sauce during cooking.

- Variations: You can experiment with various ingredients in the filling, such as mushrooms, olives, or feta cheese, to add a personalized touch.

Nutritional Benefits:

This stuffed peppers recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. The minced meat provides quality protein, while the greens add essential vitamins and minerals. A serving offers about 350-400 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use green peppers?
Of course! Green peppers have a less sweet flavor but can be just as delicious.

2. How can I store stuffed peppers?
Stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and their flavor often improves after being refrigerated.

3. What side dish pairs best?
A fresh vegetable salad or mashed potatoes are excellent side dishes that complement the meal.

4. Can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet?
Sure! You can replace the meat with a combination of vegetables, rice, and chickpeas or lentils for a healthy and tasty option.

This stuffed peppers recipe is perfect for family meals or to impress guests. Enjoy every bite, and remember, cooking is an art that improves with every experience! Bon appétit!